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If you’ve been keeping up with this story here’s an update as well as the beginnings of the awful tale below. It’s awful what people will do sometimes.

Two Dogs Ingest Tainted Meatballs and Die (Original Bulletin)

Sully Police District – On Wednesday, May 26 around 5 p.m.Animal Control officers responded to a home in the 15100 block of Olddale Road in Centreville. It was reported that a five-month-old Pit Bull puppy had ingested a meatball tainted with an unidentified, toxic substance and became ill. Investigating officers determined that an adult West Highland Terrier at a neighboring home had also ingested a tainted meatball at around the same time. Both dogs have since died.

The meatballs were found in the back yards of a total of three homes close to each other. They have been collected and sent to a local laboratory for analysis.

An Animal Control commander, police patrol commanders and officers responded to assist in a canvass of the neighborhood. They were looking for potential evidence, information and suspects. The investigation is ongoing.

Authorities would like to caution residents, especially those with small children and pets, to inspect your yards for any unusual or suspicious looking items. If any such items are located, do not touch them; call police immediately.

A Community Emergency Alert (CEAN) was sent to subscribers in a one mile radius of this crime.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

UPDATE: Poison Identified; Investigation Continues

Sully Police District – The poisonous substance believed to have caused the death of two dogs on May 26 has been identified as strychnine. No strychnine pesticide products have been registered for use in Virginia since 1989. Prior to 1990 however, there were many rodent control products containing strychnine which were used widely.

Police have conducted numerous interviews as part of their investigation however no charges have been made. There have been no additional poisonings in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.